The R&A has announced that The Open will return to Carnoustie in 2029. The 157th edition of the tournament will take place on the Championship Course from July 19 to July 22 that year, marking the ninth time the Scottish venue has hosted golf’s original championship.
History and Past Champions at Carnoustie
The tournament was last held at the Angus venue in 2018, when Italian golfer Francesco Molinari won the Claret Jug and earned the title of Champion Golfer of the Year. Other legendary figures who previously triumphed at the course include Tommy Armour, Sir Henry Cotton, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Paul Lawrie, and Padraig Harrington.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, described Carnoustie as a world-class championship venue where some of the sport’s greatest competitors have lifted the trophy. Darbon stated that bringing the tournament back to the famous links after more than ten years will give spectators the chance to witness another historic chapter in the event.
Darbon added that the organization wants to maintain an exceptional experience for participants, supporters, and partners, noting close collaboration with Carnoustie to ensure facility enhancements support successful stagings. He also expressed gratitude to the venue’s owners, management, the Scottish Government, and local authorities for their cooperation in bringing the event back to the region.
Broader Impact and Upcoming Venues
Beyond the men’s major, Carnoustie has previously welcomed three editions of The Senior Open, which saw KJ Choi claim victory in 2024, and the AIG Women’s Open won by Anna Nordqvist in 2021.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney called the announcement tremendous news for the country, emphasizing that as the home of golf, Scotland shares a special bond with the historic competition. Swinney noted that the tournament brings major economic advantages, creates jobs, boosts tourism, and highlights the nation’s people, locations, and golf facilities on the international stage.
Before the 2029 tournament at Carnoustie, The Open is scheduled to visit the Old Course at St Andrews in 2027, followed by a return to Royal Lytham & St Annes for an unusual August slot in 2028, with future locations beyond 2029 yet to be finalized.
